5 Key Takeaways on Used Car Transmission Issues

Anyone who knows about cars understands how important a vehicle’s transmission is. If it’s not working correctly, you’re going to run into problems sooner rather than later. There are several elements of a car’s transmission, and they all need to be working in concert.

If you go to a used car dealership and buy a vehicle that had at least one previous owner, you will want to have a mechanic look at the car before you buy it. In particular, they’ll want to take a close look at the transmission.

Even if they tell you it looks okay, though, you might still run into issues down the line. Let’s take a moment to talk about some used car transmission issues and what you’ll want to watch out for in the days after you buy a previously-owned vehicle.

Preventative Maintenance

Even if the transmission of your used car seems okay, preventative maintenance is certainly something that you will want to do. That means checking the transmission fluid’s quality and levels.

You will also want to follow a recommended maintenance schedule. This way, you will likely spot any issues before they turn into serious and potentially costly problems.

Know Potential Repair Costs of a Used Car

Even if you follow preventative maintenance best practices, that does not guarantee that you won’t need to put money toward transmission repairs at some point. It’s helpful to know what some typical transmission repairs will cost and to have that cash in reserve.

The Importance of Regular Inspections

While you always want to have a vehicle inspected regularly, it’s doubly vital that you do so with a used car. If you can, try to form a rapport with a mechanic near you who you trust. They can be honest about not just how your transmission is doing, but what repairs might be coming in the not-too-distant future.

If you have anyone in your family who knows about cars in general and transmissions in particular, you can also have them look at your vehicle regularly.

Know What Causes Transmission Problems

If you know the conditions or situations that usually cause transmission problems in used cars, then you can be on the lookout for them. They include dirty or low transmission fluid. You should also be watchful for worn-out components that you might have to potentially replace or adjust.

Faulty seals can cause leaks, while manufacturing defects or overheating can also prove costly and devastating.

Know Common Symptoms That a Repair is Coming

Finally, if you buy a used car, know the common symptoms that you can watch out for that indicate you’re going to need to make some repairs shortly. For instance, delayed gear engagement or slipping gears should clue you in that you need to take the car to the shop.

Unusual noises like grinding or whining should also get your attention. Jerking sensations when you change gears should do that as well.

By keeping this in mind, you can purchase and own a used car that suits your needs.